How to Wear Chelsea Boots for Men

The Chelsea boot works harder than any other footwear in your wardrobe. Here's how to get the most out of yours

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A man walks on a street in front a building wearing a brown suit and chelsea boots

How to wear Chelsea boots with a suit

Wearing Chelsea boots with suits is easier than you’d think. Stick to smooth leather and a classic round toe, keeping the silhouette clean and sleek so they smarten the outfit up rather than making it too casual. A close fit at the ankle and a slim sole will look the best with tailored trousers.

A pair of suede Chelsea boots will still work with a suit but keep the rest of the look relaxed. Swap the shirt for a T-shirt or jumper for a smarter take on smart casual.

What to wear with black Chelsea boots? A sharp navy or charcoal suit is your best bet for a clean and classic look. If you want to hit those on-trend fashion notes, try a brown suit. It feels modern with black Chelsea boots, especially with a tonal knit or black roll-neck jumper underneath.

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A man sits on a chair with a bag between his legs. He's wearing a shacket, light blue jeans and beige chelsea boots

Chelsea boots with jeans: How to get it right

There's a reason Chelsea boots with jeans is a menswear staple. The boot instantly smartens up denim, taking it from weekend-ready to smart casual.

Straight-leg jeans are the best pairing, but Chelsea boots with slim jeans works just as well. It's all about the hem. Aim for a length that just skims the top of the boot with little to no break. Skinny jeans with Chelsea boots can work too, but avoid anything spray-on tight. A bit of room in the thigh looks more modern and balances the boot. Keep the top half relaxed - a shirt over a T-shirt or a crew-neck jumper does the job.

What to wear with brown Chelsea boots? Lighter wash denim is the natural partner. Build the rest of the outfit in soft, tonal shades such as stone, ecru and khaki.

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A man wears beige chinos, a brown jacket and Chelsea boots

Styling Chelsea boots with chinos

When you want to look put-together without overdoing it, Chelsea boots with chinos is the answer. The pairing works because the clean lines of the boot complement the tailored cut of the trouser, making it an easy win for smart-casual dressing, whether that's the office or an evening out.

Stick to tan or suede boots with lighter chinos, and black Chelsea boots with darker shades like navy, khaki or black. A matching belt finishes the look. Top it off with a T-shirt and denim jacket at the weekend or an Oxford shirt and blazer when you need to smarten up.

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A man reaching down to pull on his black Chelsea boots with grey socks

What socks to wear with Chelsea boots?

Knowing what socks to wear with Chelsea boots matters more than you'd think. Go for high socks only. They keep the silhouette clean and save your legs from any rubbing – a win on both counts.

But socks can also be the finishing touch that pulls an outfit together. Matching your socks to your boot colour keeps things sleek and formal, but if you want to have a bit more fun, a striped sock that picks out a colour from your trousers ties the look together nicely. Feeling bolder? A bright pop of colour is an easy way to add personality.

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The Chelsea Boot Edit